Transforming Construction: How to Attract Young Talent and Change Perceptions

Understanding the Construction Career Landscape

Heather Holbrook, a partner at consultancy Thomas & Adamson, highlights the ongoing struggle to attract young talent to the construction industry, which has historically faced a poor reputation. Recent research indicates that 69% of UK adults and 77% of young adults aged 18 to 24 are reluctant to consider a career in this sector, creating a significant challenge as the industry aims to recruit 250,000 new workers by 2028.

Perceptions and Progress

The negative perception of construction careers often stems from outdated views. Holbrook notes that despite the industry's evolution, misconceptions linger. A notable concern is the gender imbalance, with women representing only 15.8% of the workforce, although this has improved from 12.6% prior to the pandemic. Positive changes are evident, such as increased female participation in quantity surveying programs, which have shifted from 4 women in 2008 to a 60/40 split today.

Expanding Career Awareness

Young people often associate construction careers with traditional roles like bricklayer or architect, overlooking opportunities in quantity surveying and project management. Holbrook emphasizes the importance of informing students about diverse career paths and educational routes available, including apprenticeships and part-time degrees, dispelling the myth that only top academic achievers can succeed in the industry.

Enhancing Engagement with Young People

To reshape perceptions, the construction industry must engage more effectively with youth and those who influence their career choices. This can be achieved by:

• Increasing Digital Presence: Utilizing platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase daily roles and career options in construction.
• Educating Career Advisers: Ensuring that they are aware of the wide range of opportunities available, beyond traditional roles.
• Explaining Diverse Pathways: Highlighting that many construction careers do not require extensive student debt, providing young people with viable alternatives.

Studies indicate that children as young as seven begin contemplating their future careers. It's crucial they understand the variety of options, pathways, and real-world implications of their choices.